Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world. It was created on March 1, 1872 when United States President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law to create it.

Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming. However, small sections of the Park extend into Montana and Idaho. The park is located at the headwaters of the Yellowstone River, from which it takes its historical name. The park was the first of its kind, and is known for its wildlife and geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular areas in the park.

The Roosevelt Arch is located at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana. The arch's cornerstone was laid down by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. The top of the arch is inscribed with a quote, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People."

Aboriginal Americans have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years. Aside from visits by mountain men, organized exploration did not begin until the late 1860s. The U.S. Army was commissioned to oversee the park just after its establishment. Hundreds of structures have been built and are protected for their architectural and historical significance, and researchers have examined more than 1,000 archaeological sites.

Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,472 square miles (8,987 km), comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America and is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano on the continent. The Сaldera is considered an active volcano; it has erupted with tremendous force several times in the last two million years. Lava flows and rocks from volcanic eruptions cover most of the land area of Yellowstone. The park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining, nearly-intact ecosystem in the Earth's northern temperate zone.

Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened. The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Grizzlies, wolves, herds of bison and elk live in the park. Forest fires occur in the park each year; in the large forest fires of 1988, nearly one third of the park burned. Yellowstone has numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and sightseeing. Paved roads provide close access to the major geothermal areas as well as some of the lakes and waterfalls. During the winter, visitors often access the park by way of guided tours that use either snow coaches or snowmobile.

Notes:

sign a law – подписать закон high-altitude – высоко над уровнем моря

extend – простираться tremendous – страшный, ужасный

arch – арка nearly-intact – почти нетронутый

oversee – наблюдать elk – лось

2. Find in the text the equivalents to the following word combinations:

располагается у северного входа; в верховье; начертать на камне; коренные американцы; помимо посещений горцев; конец 1860-х; сразу после его основания; архитектурная и историческая значимость; занимает территорию; горные цепи; ужасная сила; за последние 2 миллиона лет; потоки лавы; породы вулканических извержений; центральное место; климатическая зона; стада бизонов; возможности для отдыха; собачьи упряжки

3. Select the statement that best expresses the main idea of the text.

a) Hundreds of species have been documented in the Yellowstone National Park, including several that are either endangered or threatened.

b) Yellowstone has numerous recreational opportunities.

c) The park was the first of its kind, and is known for its wildlife, canyons, lakes, volcanoes, geothermal features, and recreation opportunities.

d) The park is located at the headwaters of the Yellowstone River, from which it takes its historical name.

4. Is it true or false? Correct the wrong statements.

1) Yellowstone National Park was the second national park in the world.

2) Yellowstone National Park is located in Montana.

3) The park is located in the mouth of the Yellowstone River, from which it takes its historical name.

4) The Roosevelt Arch is located at the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Idaho.

5) The quote, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People." belongs to President Grant.

6) Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America.

7) Forest fires never occur in the park.

8) There is no access to the major geothermal areas as well as some of the lakes and waterfalls.

5. Retell the text.

6. Find the information about a world national park or reserve on the Internet. Retell it. Use the following questions as a plan:

1) Where is the protected area located?

2) What are its objectives?

3) When was it established?

4) What is it known for?

5) What species inhabit the protected area?

6) What rare and endangered species live there?

7) What opportunities does it have?